Given that this weeks Tuesday lecture would be based on cultural pluralism and children’s literary texts, I thought it would be to my benefit to write this weeks report immediately after the game, rather than missing such a rivetting lecture…I am only human. So here I am lying on my bed, hands still shaking after such an adrenaline rising match – keeping in mind I am yet to take my pills!
Throughout history there have been many prolific arch nemeses created, such as Bart Simpson and Sideshow Bob, Dr Evil and Austin Powers, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, and the list goes on. But for the Canowindra Redbacks there is only one team that is considered an arch-rival to many of the poisonous ladies. And they are the Bathurst Collegians. History reveals many previous close encounters between the two viscous sides. The most profound contest was when Canowindra and Collegians met in the 2005 grand final. The game went to extra time with the Readbacks finally claiming victory winning the game 2-0. Many changes have taken place to both teams since then, however the competitive rivalry remains.
So here the girls were, a little deflated after only just losing 9-0 to the Waratahs the week before plus there was that small known fact that on their previous encounter, Collegians had lost to Waratahs only 1-0. But today was a new day – a new chance to show our always faithful and supportive Canowindra crew that we were better than 9-0.
The Redbacks were on the back foot before the whistle had even blown, with several girls still bedridden after the previous week’s harsh and treacherous conditions. With only ten to take the field, the injured but ever keen Asher donned Barry Burns flattering shorts in order to ensure we had a whole run on team. What a sacrifice, that’s got to be team spirit, Geordie would’ve been proud.
The referee decided against the usually civilised meeting of teams in the centre of the field and instead opted to only call upon the captains to take the toss. Clearly he was aware of the intense history the two teams shared. Renae Lawrence bravely met the Collegians captain in the centre, before returning to the Redbacks dispensing instructions and reminding us, and this is her words that ‘blood is just red sweat’. With this motivation the Redbacks took to the field. The girls new to the team were left confused and possibly a little scared, however the veterans knew it was only a matter of time before they too would understand.
The whistle blew and the Redbacks were away…actually, Collegians quickly gained possession slotting away an unexpected early goal, which to be honest to most of the girls was not really that unexpected, but it still wasn’t the start they wanted. The second kick-off took place with the Redbacks doing more with the ball this time, maintaining control and moving the ball around. Again Geordie would’ve been proud. Oh by the way, he’s not dead; he just wasn’t able to attend this week’s match. Unfortunately Collegians snatched the ball away again, converting another quick goal bringing the score to 2-0. Given our past games we didn’t actually think this was such a bad thing, however if we were going to win our mentality needed to change. After a certain player from Collegians was taken out by a completely innocent Canowindra play, their backline quickly opened, producing many more scoring opportunities that just needed to be taken. Finally the flying Kim Scott was away, actually the ball kind of just bounced into her lap and just happened to find herself in open space. It was Kim against the goalie, but the angle was getting smaller and the scoring opportunity was disintegrating in front of her rapidly. She gave the ball the…slowest granny kick possible with the ball trickling past the goalie; and unfortunately, past the goal. Oh well next time. At least Greg would be proud that she was finally attacking up the front, instead of acting like a coward yelling ‘RETREAT’ before retiring to the backline.
The Redbacks were on the attack, however bodies lay on the ground, Collegians players limped across the field and so the referee blew the half-time whistle in sympathy of the Bathurst team. Much positive chatter could be heard from the girls; however the idea of winning still hadn’t quite been realised. We could hear Geordie’s voice blowing on the wind guiding us, telling us that every half was a new half and that the score was again nil all. That’s personally got to be one of my favourite strategies to use – the full time scores of late were easier to bear that way. 6-0 sounds so much better than 9-0.
The second half began and for some reason there appeared to be a different feel amongst the Redbacks. The calls were positive, the passes were working and as a result the Collegians defence was crumbling in front of them. Amy-Lee Bowman was making saves from every direction; at one stage it was rumoured that Amy could be seen making saves with her eyes shut, however this statement is yet to be confirmed.
Finally a break - the Canowindra defence moved up the field bringing the ball with them. Renae Lawrence passed the ball in magnificent fashion finding another player who laid the ball off to the ever present Caitlin Walker who with one effortless touch guided the ball past the goalie and this time the ball unproblematically found the back of the net. If that wasn’t a sexy goal then I’m not going to class ever again! The crowd went wild, with the idea of victory not so hard to realise as the score now read 2-1 in Collegians favour.
Players continued to be battered with Kristy White taking the responsibility to mark one of the Collegians most merciless players. Robyn Scott made several flying runs to the front of the field, while Erryn Traves held the strong backline steady. The girls defended and attacked, leaving the Collegians speechless and panting. With seconds remaining a last ditch effort was made but the Redbacks were unable to convert. Full time Collegians 2, Redbacks 1.
The next chapter of this enthralling tale will be played in Canowindra where the Redbacks will have the home ground advantage. The team, the crowd and the history books can hardly wait.
Amy-Lee Bowman was awarded 3 points for her outstanding display of devotion to the team in the mouth of the ferocious goal, some other girl got players player and Cailtin Walker received a point from the unripe referee.
Although the conditions were much more pleasant our forever amazing support crew should be thanked for again making the game a pleasure to play. As someone once said; ‘we felt compelled to perform – to fulfill our engagements and not let people down. And they (the crowd) supported us, although they weren’t aware of how much it carried us through’. Absolute literary gold!
Next weeks game is finally in Canowindra against Bathurst City Colts, who on our previous encounter defeated us 9-0, however with an injured line up they went down to Macquarie United this week 1-0. Should be a blinder, hope to see you all there – kick-off is at 1pm.
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